World Cup post-game: South Africa 1, Mexico 1 (320 hits)
Siphiwe Tshabalala scored in the 55th minute, but Mexico's Rafa Marquez responded with 11 minutes left in regulation as South Africa and Mexico battled to a 1-1 draw in the opening game of the FIFA World Cup Friday in Johannesburg.
The main story line The majority of critics predicted prior to the tournament that South Africa was destined to become the first host nation in the 80-year history of the World Cup not to make it out of the first round. Many thought they would lose all three of their games, so a loss in their opening match against the Mexicans seemed to be foregone conclusion. But Bafana Bafana showed great resolve and commitment in earning a shocking 1-1 draw and proving the pundits wrong.
The turning point of the game Mexico was all over South Africa in the first half, and it appeared as though it would only be a matter of time before the hosts would concede. But Tshabalala's goal 10 minutes into the second half revitalized the Bafana Bafana, as they began to play with more confidence and conviction...
South Africa takes on Uruguay in Pretoria on June 16 (CBC, CBCSports.ca, 2:15 pm ET), while Mexico meets France on June 17 in Polokwane (CBC, CBCSports.ca, 2:15 pm ET).
